- Njiro Hill, Arusha Tanzania
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To plan a 17-day trip through Tanzania and Zanzibar, you have to combine the wild thrill of safari with the rich tapestry of local culture and the relaxing escape of tropical shores. This plan, based on advice from experienced travelers and locals, takes you from the lively streets of Arusha to the endless plains of the Serengeti and the turquoise waters of Zanzibar.
It’s designed to avoid common travel mistakes like missing wildlife migrations or subtle cultural differences. It balances exciting exploration with quiet moments to ensure a truly authentic East African experience based on responsible travel.
The adventure starts when you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and the air is full of adventure. A personal pick-up takes you to the peaceful country Inn, Rivertrees, that is on the banks of a river near Arusha.
The bed and breakfast is situated in a small room which is surrounded by the grand gardens where you find the monkeys trying to play with the trees and the rustic charm of the place makes it a very comfortable place to relax after your journey. It is typical of guests to comment with open hearted hospitality, where the staff offer fresh, wholesome meals in an ambiance that reminds guests of a country retreat. Spend your afternoon wandering the green grounds or relaxing by the pool as the river soothes you into the rhythm of Tanzania.
The fact that this lodge is close to the following destination makes it a viable but enjoyable starting point.
Accommodation: Rivertrees inn
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake to the call of adventure and head to Arusha National Park, a compact gem often called Tanzania’s hidden treasure for its diverse landscapes. A short drive from Rivertrees, the park unfolds with misty forests, open savannas, and the dramatic backdrop of Mount Meru.
Guided walking safaris bring you close to giraffes nibbling acacias or rare colobus monkeys leaping through the canopy, while a canoe trip on Momella Lakes offers serene views of hippos and flamingos. With over 400 bird species thriving in the park’s volcanic soils, it’s a birder’s paradise.
Rangers share tips for spotting elusive wildlife, making this a perfect introduction to Tanzania’s wild side. Return to Rivertrees for a cozy evening, savoring hearty meals and the inn’s peaceful ambiance.
Accommodation: Rivertrees inn
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel south to Tarangire national park where life life-giving Tarangire river attracts large groups of elephants particularly during the dry season (June to October).
The combination of baobab trees that are the symbol of the park and lions resting and zebras drinking waterholes make the view of the park iconic and allow the creation of the postcards. Red-dust plains can form the picturesque landscapes. Professional guides also tend to locate some of the best things, such as a fringe-eared oryx or a tree-climbing python, which makes your safari even more interesting. Your location in Sangaiwe Tented Lodge, where you are staying in the high elevation above the lake of Burunge, has tents that are elevated with en-suite refinements and verandahs to view the sunset.
Visitors are fond of the close-knit, natural ambiance of the lodge, enclosed by the native hardwoods, and the campfire anecdotes of people working locally make the night in the lodge memorable.
Accommodation: Sangaiwe tented lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Lake Manyara National Park, a slender paradise between the Rift Valley escarpment and a shimmering soda lake.
Famous for tree-climbing lions lounging in acacias, the park teems with baboon troops, elephants, and hippos in steaming pools. Its diverse habitats—groundwater forests, grasslands, and hot springs—host over 400 bird species, delighting nature enthusiasts. Seasoned travelers suggest focusing on northern areas for prime lion sightings. Settle into Country Lodge in Karatu, where lush gardens and cozy rooms overlooking coffee-covered hills offer a comforting retreat.
Guests praise the home-cooked meals, perfect for recharging after a day in the bush.
Accommodation: Country Lodge at Karatu
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Immerse yourself in the Serengeti’s vast plains over three days, where the Great Migration’s wildebeest and zebra herds create nature’s greatest spectacle, pursued by lions and cheetahs. Start in the central Seronera region, rich with big cats and elephants, and venture north if the herds are moving, spotting leopards or rhinos in quieter corners.
Early risers can opt for a hot-air balloon safari, soaring over this UNESCO-listed expanse for breathtaking views. Your base, Sound of Silence tented camp, offers spacious tents with king-size beds, hot showers, and the thrill of hearing hyenas under starlit skies. The enthusiastic staff, known for surprises like bush dinners, make this stay deeply memorable, as guests often note.
Accommodation: Sound of silence
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the Ngorongoro Crater which is a volcanic crater with more than 25,000 animals in a natural grassland, lake, and forest arena. This sanctuary has black rhinos, lion prides, and flamingos that flourish in the crater with unmatched density of wildlife owing to the walls of the crater.
Conservationists point out how well it helps preserve the endangered species, and in a morning drive you get the best views before the mists come in, and guests enjoying a home-like ambiance of the lodge.
Accommodation: Country Lodge at Karatu
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Lake Eyasi to have a cultural experience with one of the last hunter-gatherer tribes in the world, the Hadzabe. Go with them early in the morning and hunt game on bows, or glean and root, and learn how they live their hardy, earth-based life. This is a very humbling adventure, which is easily referred to as one of the highlights of the trip, and a great contrast to the wildlife-centered safari.
Accommodation: Rivertrees inn
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Return to Arusha for a vibrant day of cultural and natural exploration. Start with a city tour, weaving through bustling streets to discover landmarks like the Arusha Clock Tower and local markets buzzing with life. Next, visit Chemka Hot Springs, a turquoise oasis surrounded by fig trees and palms, where you can swim in warm, crystal-clear waters—a refreshing escape travelers love. Continue to the Cultural Heritage Centre, a treasure trove of Tanzanian art, carvings, and gemstones, offering insight into the country’s creative spirit.
Wrap up at the Maasai Market, where vibrant fabrics, beads, and crafts make for unique souvenirs, with haggling adding to the fun.
Return to Rivertrees Country Inn, where the familiar riverside tranquility and warm hospitality provide a perfect end to the day.
the wildlife-centered safari.
Accommodation: Rivertrees inn
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short flight delivers you to Zanzibar, where Nungwi Beach Resort awaits with oceanfront rooms, a sparkling pool, and direct access to powdery sands. This northern beach buzzes with energy yet offers tranquil corners, with staff earning praise for their genuine hospitality.
Beach Bliss – Settle into Nungwi Beach, strolling the shore or sipping cocktails as dhows sail against the sunset. The resort’s pristine setting is a perfect reset after the mainland’s intensity.
Mnemba Atoll Snorkeling – Dive into the underwater world at Mnemba Atoll, where vibrant reefs host tropical fish, turtles, and dolphins. Back at Nungwi, savor fresh seafood dinners, with the oceanfront ambiance earning high marks for romance.
Stone Town Exploration – Wander Stone Town’s UNESCO-listed alleys, marveling at carved doors, spice markets, and the poignant history of the former slave market. Return to Nungwi for a beach bonfire or relaxed evening.
Spice Tour and Jozani Forest – Visit spice farms to breathe in cloves and vanilla, then trek through Jozani Forest to spot red colobus monkeys amid mangroves, showcasing Zanzibar’s biodiversity.
Dhow Cruise and Turtle Sanctuary – Sail on a traditional dhow, fishing or enjoying coastal views, then visit Mnarani Aquarium to feed rescued sea turtles, a meaningful nod to conservation.
Kayaking and Scuba – Paddle clear kayaks over reefs or scuba dive Nungwi’s caves, where visibility often exceeds 30 meters. Unwind with a spa treatment at the resort, soothing any travel fatigue.
Farewell Zanzibar – Spend your final morning strolling Nungwi’s beach or shopping for souvenirs in vibrant stalls before your departure flight, carrying memories of Tanzania’s wild heart and Zanzibar’s tranquil shores.
This itinerary, shaped by traveler insights and local knowledge, delivers a seamless blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation, ensuring every moment shines.
“Our 17-day safari and Zanzibar holiday with tanzania private safari was beyond expectations. Every moment was thoughtfully planned, from the first night in Arusha to the last sunset on Nungwi Beach. We witnessed the Big Five in Serengeti, enjoyed a breathtaking day at Ngorongoro Crater, and had an authentic cultural visit with the Hadzabe at Lake Eyasi. The extra day on Zanzibar allowed us to fully relax, explore Stone Town, and enjoy a spice tour without feeling rushed. tanzania private safari delivered professionalism, comfort, and an experience we will never forget.”
— Michael Rodriguez, United States
